Today we are hosting Debra Kayn, author of Rodeo Rebel. Be sure to check out her interview – we have prizes at the end and don’t forget we are giving away a copy here!
Debra Kayn at The Readiacs
What inspired RODEO REBEL?
So many romance novels have stereotypical heroines…the nurse, the business owner, the office worker. I wanted a heroine who bucked the norm. So, Florentine turned out to be a professional bull rider. I really enjoyed putting a woman smack dab in a man’s sport to show how tough women can be when they have a dream.
Is any of RODEO REBEL true life?
Although there have been a few women who’ve reached professional status in bull riding for a short time, Florentine is a fictional character. As for true life, I could say that the family dynamics of the McDougal sisters shows what a lot of families have gone through when they’ve lost the patriarch of their family from illness. We all mourn differently and try to keep moving forward…just like all the sisters in this series.
Will you continue Cole and Florentine?
I have one more book to publish in the Sisters of McDougal series. Bisette still needs her story told. As with all the books, you will see Cole and Florentine (along with all the others) in Bisette’s book when they gather at the ranch. They’re a close-knit family, so it’s always fun to bring them all back together again.
What is was your favorite and most difficult chapter to write?
The field scene with Florentine mourning her father was the most difficult for me to write, because I too have lost my dad. That pain lessens, but never quite goes away.
My favorite scene to write was the 4th of July party at McDougal Ranch. That’s when I was able to show the relationship between the sisters, and how behind the tough exterior of a female bull rider, Florentine is a soft and loveable woman.
How long did it take you to write RODEO REBEL? 
Three weeks (Can we just say JEALOUS). That’s fast, but I had such fun writing this book. I’ll also tell you a secret. I’m a country gal down to the core. Writing Rodeo Rebel has a very relaxed dialogue and the reactions of the characters are very similar to my own life and people in my life. I know how the characters live, breath, think, and react. It’s a different experience than if I was writing about city folks. That’s harder!
Why Entangled? How has your experience been with them?
I had my eye on Entangled since they opened. Besides all the positive talk they were creating, I saw proof of all their hard work and growth in a short amount of time. I knew that’s what I needed to get my books in front of more readers.
My experience has been wonderful. Very professional and positive!
What’s next on the agenda?
Oh, I’m excited. Entangled Publishing gave me a contract for another book. I’ve been busy writing a proposal for my editor for the 4 books that come after that one. Keep your fingers crossed! This series is about professional athletes and the women who love them despite their big, um, egos.
Rapid fire . . .
Coffee or Tea? Diet Dr. Pepper! lol
Blondes or Brunettes? Blondes
Lanky or Beefcake? Beefcake – She likes Cowboys 
Daisies or Roses? Daisies
Mac or PC? PC
Summer or Winter? Winter
Thank you so much for having me here today! Remember, if Rodeo Rebel reaches the top 100, I’m giving away a pair of cowgirl boots and a cowgirl hat. No purchase necessary! All the details are here -
Debra, we are very excited that you were able to participate. Thank you for everything! ~ The Readiacs
Rodeo Rebel
Available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Blurb
When widower and land baron Cole Reardon acquired the Turner Grain Corporation, he didn’t know the company sponsored a bull rider. He refuses to support thrill-seekers dumb enough to get on the back of a crazed animal. He’s not willing to risk his fortune and livelihood when he has his daughter’s well-being to consider. Not even when the bull rider is the sexiest woman he’s ever seen.
Bull rider Florentine McDougal plans to turn pro after the season championship, fulfilling her lifelong dream of succeeding in a man’s world. That is, until Cole Reardon shows up and threatens to break his sponsorship contract with her. Now everything she’s worked for is less than eight seconds away from being destroyed.
Cole distracts Florentine with his sexy mouth and unreasonable demands, and he’s not going to compromise his integrity. But she’s not going to let him loose until she has pro status. And neither will come away from this dust-up unscathed.
Bio of Debra Kayn
Multi-published Romance Author, Debra Kayn, lives with her family in the beautiful coastal mountains of Oregon on a hobby farm. During the summer, she enjoys riding motorcycles, gardening, playing tennis, and fishing. During the winter, you’ll find her outside playing in the snow. A cold weather nut, she lives for the days she’s snowbound and fighting with the woodstove to keep the house warm when the power goes out. A huge animal lover, she always has a dog under her desk when she writes and chickens standing at the front door looking for a treat. She’s famous in her family for teaching a 270 lb pig named Harley to jog with her every morning.
Her love of family ties and laughter makes her a natural to write heartwarming contemporary stories to the delight of her readers. As someone who met her husband on a blind date when she was nineteen years old, she’s a believer of love at first sight and happily ever after.
Test comment
Hi Debra,
I didn’t realize there have been women riders. I haven’t seen any on the TV coverage down here. Bring on the series with the atheletes. I like the sports/romance combo.